The Story of Christmas [Mass Market Paperback]

Jane Ray (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

The story of the Nativity has never before been so beautifully illustrated. Jane Ray's vibrantly colored, stunningly rendered folk art does justice to the sacred King James text, which takes the reader from the marriage of Mary and Joseph to the safe return of the holy family to Nazareth. This book is sure to be a Christmastime favorite for years to come. " Ray's evocative, inspirational paintings pay quiet tribute to the story they portray."-- School Library Journal, starred review "This gorgeous holiday volume is a source of inspiration for any season." -- Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The King James Version of the Bible provides the text for this graceful and majestic account of Christ's birth. Gospels according to Matthew and Luke tell the story of Joseph's journey to Bethlehem with his pregnant wife Mary, and how under arduous circumstances Jesus was born in a stable there. Although the formal language may be a bit difficult for some younger readers, Ray's ( Noah's Ark ) sumptuous folk art paintings and elegant page borders expand and visually explain the action. Her depiction of the familiar characters as dark-complected Arabs affixes a sense of realism and historical interpretation to the story. A scene showing Mary breastfeeding the baby demonstrates a warmth and human depth that often are missing from religious writings. Gaily garbed angels and delicate touches of luminous gold paint throughout maintain an air of reverence and joy. Worthy of classic status, this gorgeous holiday volume is a source of inspiration for any season. All ages.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

An elegantly beautiful presentation of the text from Matthew and Luke (King James version), from the illustrator of an exceptionally handsome Noah's Ark (1990). Again blending warmly decorative folk motifs with a strong Middle Eastern flavor, Ray also recalls medieval illuminations with her rich colors and lavish use of gold. Her people are common folk whose ornamented attire connotes the magnitude of the occasion; her beasts have a dignified aura of understanding the momentous events. An excellent choice for libraries and home collections. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 3+) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014056456X
• ISBN-13: 978-0140564563
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #814,952 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Illustrations, December 23, 1999

By 

Claudia (Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Story of Christmas (Mass Market Paperback)

The illustrations in this book are beautiful. This is really a "heirloom book"! Mary is shown nusing baby Jesus, which I thought was a great statement. The passages per page are short enough for a 2-year-old to follow. Our family can highly recommend this book!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful illustrations!, December 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Story of Christmas (Mass Market Paperback)

Jane Ray's beautiful illustrations make this book a Christmas treasure. Especially notable is that Mary is shown nursing baby Jesus.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Family Tradition, June 28, 2008

By 

Heather S. Byrne - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Story of Christmas (Mass Market Paperback)

I LOVE THIS BOOK! I received this book as a gift when my children were small, and we have been reading it every Christmas Eve since. Even my teenagers like to sit close to look at the vivid, inticate drawings as we read aloud the familiar words of the Christmas story. I have given it as a gift to many people, always with enthusiastic reports. I love that it shows Mary nursing, that the wise men are of varying hues, and I especially love the angels! When they were small, my kids would want it read over and over, and were engaged by the pictures for long periods of time. Get it in hardcover!